Zambia prepared on Friday to begin announcing results of a tight presidential election between top contenders President Edgar Lungu and main rival Hakainde Hichilema held amidst restrictions on internet access and violence in three regions.
Use of social media such as WhatsApp is part of everyday life in the southern Africa country and the curbs on access could fuel suspicion about the outcome of the vote, which appeared too close to call.
The government declined to comment on the disruptions to the internet, which users said affected several social media sites. Mobile phone networks directed questions to the government. Facebook confirmed it was among the sites impacted. On Twitter and Facebook, Zambians said they were using virtual private networks to circumvent the restrictions on the internet.
"We have also done well in Lusaka and the Copperbelt, though not to our satisfaction. These results show that Edgar Lungu is winning. We are confident that we shall carry the day," party secretary general Davis Mwila told reporters.
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